March 1, 2016
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens:
Our winter lecture, "Untermyer Gardens: From Pompeii to Paradise -- Uncovering a Great American Garden," will take place on Tuesday, March 8, at 6:00 pm. It will be presented by our head gardener, Timothy Tilghman.
When Samuel Untermyer died in 1940, the garden went into limbo until 1946, when the City of Yonkers accepted 16 acres as a public park. During the 1960s, it became a hippie hangout, with Frisbees, guitars, drugs, and a visit by John Lennon.
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens:
Our winter lecture, "Untermyer Gardens: From Pompeii to Paradise -- Uncovering a Great American Garden," will take place on Tuesday, March 8, at 6:00 pm. It will be presented by our head gardener, Timothy Tilghman.
When Samuel Untermyer died in 1940, the garden went into limbo until 1946, when the City of Yonkers accepted 16 acres as a public park. During the 1960s, it became a hippie hangout, with Frisbees, guitars, drugs, and a visit by John Lennon.
In the 1970s, it became a haunt of David Berkowitz, the mass murderer known as Son of Sam, who joined a cult which performed ritual animal sacrifices on the property.
It declined further until the mid-1970s, when a major restoration effort saved it from probable destruction. Unfortunately, much of this work did not last and the park resumed its downhill path, although an important citizen-led effort in the 1990's helped enlarge it to 43 acres.
Since 2011, collaborating with the City of Yonkers, the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy has undertaken a dramatic restoration of the garden. Tilghman's lecture will focus on the dramatic story of how what was once called "America's Most Spectacular Garden" declined and was reborn. Like Pompeii, much has been uncovered, with fascinating discoveries along the way.
Tickets, costing $15, are available here and should be reserved in advance. The lecture will be held atSt. Michael's Hall 225 West 99th Street in Manhattan. It is on the second floor and there is no elevator.
By special arrangement, the magnificent sanctuary will be open from 5:45 to 6:00 so that you can see one of the greatest Tiffany interiors in America.
Kind regards,
Stephen F. Byrns
President, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
Since 2011, collaborating with the City of Yonkers, the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy has undertaken a dramatic restoration of the garden. Tilghman's lecture will focus on the dramatic story of how what was once called "America's Most Spectacular Garden" declined and was reborn. Like Pompeii, much has been uncovered, with fascinating discoveries along the way.
Tickets, costing $15, are available here and should be reserved in advance. The lecture will be held at
By special arrangement, the magnificent sanctuary will be open from 5:45 to 6:00 so that you can see one of the greatest Tiffany interiors in America.
Kind regards,
Stephen F. Byrns
President, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
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